Mountains of the Moon

Set in the years 1909 to 1910, the tale sits in the era of early 20th‑century exploration during the colonial period. A young Bengali narrator leaves an ordinary life to chase legends of Livingstone and other explorers, venturing into dangerous jungles and uncharted mines. The time period is defined by peril, frontier outposts, and the lure of diamonds.

The story moves across colonial Africa, beginning at a remote Uganda Railway station and venturing through jungles, volcanoes, deserts, and hidden caves. The landscapes anchor Shankar’s journey, shaping his growth from a bored clerk into a fearless explorer. Key settings include Uganda, Richtersveld, the Kalahari Desert, and Rhodesian frontier towns around Salisbury.

🧭 Adventure

A lifelong desire for discovery drives Shankar from a jaded job into Africa’s wilds. The journey tests him against lions, snakes, and treacherous terrain, while myths and real dangers collide. The narrative treats exploration as a path to self-knowledge, not just conquest. Each new locale—from forests to caves—pushes him to push his limits.

🗡️ Survival

Survival is a recurring force: dangerous wildlife, harsh climates, and the constant threat of desert thirst. Shankar learns to improvise with rifles, torches, and cunning, turning risk into resolve. The story emphasizes resilience, sacrifice, and the will to endure even when companions fall. The jungle itself becomes an opponent that must be outwitted.

💎 Legacy

The pursuit of diamonds and the memory of previous explorers shape Shankar’s choices. He inherits the legends of Alvarez, Carter, and Gatti, and vows to honor them by seeking the mines again. The diamond cave and the bones of past explorers connect personal ambition to a larger, almost mythic, lineage. The ending hints at a future expedition to complete the legacy.